Rolling Snare

Here is an overall photo of the rolling snare. This is
an animal's view of the setup, as seen walking along a trail.

White string was used to highlight the parts of the
snare. Normally you would use cordage that blended into the
surroundings.

Note the small sticks placed along the trail to help
ensure the animal doesn't bypass the snare. The noose is supported
on small sticks to elevate it the proper distance above the ground,
and to ensure that it stays in a loop shape. This type of snare is
unbaited.

The trigger mechanism is seen on the right side of the
photo. There is a larger stick pushed in to the ground, and a
smaller trigger stick that is held in place by the large one.

The string leading to the spring is the one that leads
upward from the trigger stick.

Snare constructed by Walter Muma

Here is a close-up view of the trigger mechanism.

The string at the bottom leads to the noose. The top
string leads up to the spring stick (often a small tree or branch).

Note how the nub on the small trigger stick is being
held against the larger stick (which is stuck into the ground). When
the noose is pulled, the small trigger stick easily slips out from
where it's being held and the snare is released.

Snare constructed by Walter Muma

Another view. Here the trigger has been set to be much
more sensitive. Much less pressure is required to release it.

Other ways in which it can be made more sensitive are:
grease the surfaces, make them rounder, and have less of them in
contact with each other (as shown here).

Snare constructed by Walter Muma.

This photo shows a small tree bent over to provide the
spring for the snare. The upward pressure of the tree trying to
spring back to its normal vertical position is what holds the snare
trigger in place.

It also will pull the animal suddenly up into the air
when released.

Bear in mind that some trees and branches, if left in
their bent position for too long, will lose some of their spring,
and thus be much less effective. This varies from tree to tree,
branch to branch.

Instead of a tree, a branch of a larger tree could be
used, or a springy stick shoved into the ground.

Click on the small
photo to watch a movie of this snare in action.

This movie attempts to illustrate how the prey is jerked up and
away from the ground by the snare. A toy stuffed animal
is used.

Please note that in this example the spring is not
strong enough to kill a small animal. It needs to be made stronger.